5 Warning Signs That You Are Grinding Your Teeth While You Sleep

There are subconscious habits that we perform at night during sleep. Just like daytime habits, nighttime habits are not always beneficial. One of the most
common sleep habits is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism).

If you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, how do you become aware of your habit? Here are some common warning signs that you are a nighttime
teeth grinder:

#1: Your Bed Partner is Complaining
While your teeth grinding may not disrupt your own sleep, it can certainly wake your partner up. It is common for patients to become aware of their
bruxism habit after hearing complaints from their partner.

#2: Unexplained Teeth Damage
If you notice that a tooth or multiple teeth have chips, cracks or indentions but you can’t attribute an obvious cause, you should consider bruxism as the cause.
Teeth grinding puts excessive pressure and force on the enamel of your teeth, which can cause teeth to wear down prematurely. Cavities, loose teeth and a
change in bite may occur.

#3: Painful or Stiff Jaw or neck
Teeth grinding is the leading cause of TMJ disorder, which is known for producing symptoms in the neck, jaw, jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The
repeated stress on your jaw joint (TMJ) can lead to painful symptoms during the day. If you wake up with a sore or stiff jaw, you should investigate your nighttime
oral habits.

#4: Morning Tension Headaches
Teeth grinding is also known for producing symptoms in the ears and head as well as the jaws. In fact, waking up with a tension headache is a common clue
that you are clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep.

#5: Changes in Facial Appearance
If bruxism is left untreated for a long period of time, you may notice certain changes in your face. This can include a squarer shaped jaw due to the bulking
up of jaw muscles. It can also involve premature aging, where the skin around your eyes, cheeks and lips change due to the wearing down of teeth and change
in bite.

Stop Grinding Your Teeth Before It Is Too Late
If you suspect you are grinding your teeth during the night, please consult with our skilled dentists at PresiDental Esthetics (PDE). We are able to effectively
treat teeth grinding with the use of a custom nightguard. A nightguard can prevent grinding and clenching at night and save you from disruptive consequences during the day.